Hunter Hayes Returns With ‘Heartbreak,’ First New Single in Three Years [LISTEN]

When Hunter Hayes sat down to write "Heartbreak," the first new single to come from the country star since 2016, he says that it was the product of writing solo for the first time in five years -- the same time period that produced 2018's "One Shot." The writing process captured an energy and enthusiasm that he hadn't felt in a long time.

"I remember the day I wrote "Heartbreak," I was relieved but also elated. I was on fire," Hayes explains in a press release. "It was the same feeling I've had in the past with songs like "I Want Crazy." This song came about when during a time where, for the first time in five years, I was writing by myself."

The song takes on what is traditionally a sad situation -- a breakup -- but flips that narrative on its head, instead capturing a sense of independence and optimism: "If it gets me to you, it ain't wasted time," sings Hayes in the chorus. "The way I see it, I'm one heartbreak closer to you." Hayes goes on to explain that the idea for the track came about after he had the idea to take the long view on the ups and downs of daily life, zooming out to see the bigger picture.

"Right after I wrote "One Shot," I had the idea to start journaling love songs to my future better half," he says. "After a relationship ends, I think we all want to know that there is someone for us, but unfortunately, a lot of people have been lead to believe that you're supposed to feel s--tty after a breakup. I want this song to turn that feeling around for people and remind them not to let someone walk out the door with your happiness and your self-worth."

"Heartbreak," released on Friday (Jan. 25), gives fans a preview of what to expect from Hayes forthcoming third studio album. The project is due out later in 2019.

Despite Hayes' break from radio singles, he has still been writing and releasing music since putting out his last album, including a three-part 50s-style mini movie called Pictures, which includes music video from his songs "This Girl," "You Should Be Loved" and "More." Additionally, he released the introspective and anxiety-ridden "Dear God" in 2018.